Lakeland Elementary 616 Buckley Street Elk Rapids, MI 49629 P: 231-264-8289 F: 231-264-6132

Principal: Katie Veith
Administrative Assistants: Elaine DiGiovanni, Melissa Bocardo

Parent Teacher Organization

What is Lakeland PTO?

We are a nonprofit group of parents, teachers, and staff working together to support the educational experience of the students at Lakeland Elementary School. 

Our Mission Statement

“Our mission is to develop a partnership between home, school and the community so that we may cooperate with care and intelligence in the education of our children.”           

Who can join PTO?

Any parent or guardian of a current Lakeland student as well as all current faculty and staff. 

If I join the PTO, what am I committing to?  

By joining the PTO and paying your membership dues, you are making a financial contribution that directly supports Lakeland students and staff. You can be as involved in additional PTO  and school-related activities as your time and interest allows! 

There are many volunteer opportunities throughout the school year that are event-specific (ex: Fall Festival) and ongoing (ex: classroom rep). 

You’re invited to our monthly public board meetings.  It is not required that PTO Members attend and you are always welcome. 

Every contribution you make positively impacts the students and staff at Lakeland Elementary!   

How do I become a member?

Complete the membership form and pay your membership dues of a suggested $25 per family/year. It's always a great time to join! 

Click here to complete your Membership Form

Membership dues can be submitted online through our secure PayPal and Venmo payment portals. 

Pay via Paypal | Lakeland PTO

Pay via Venmo | Lakeland PTO (or search our Venmo username: @lakelanderPTO)

Dues may also be submitted directly to the school. We can accept cash or checks—please make checks payable to Lakeland PTO. Please place your cash or check inside an envelope, write ‘Lakeland PTO’ on the envelope with your first and last name, and turn the envelope in to the main office or your child’s teacher.

What are the benefits of membership?

  • Joining the PTO Gives You a Voice!    
    • Vote on PTO business, run for office, and let others know what is important to you
  • Get Connected:  
    • Meet and get to know other parents, teachers, and staff,
    • Share ideas, concerns, and experiences
  • Make a Difference: 
    • Put your skills and experience to use and make a positive impact on your child’s school experience and the experience of all students and staff at Lakeland,   
    • Support building improvements, curriculum-based programs, social/family events, field trips, and many other enrichment opportunities 
  • Be a Role Model: 
    • By becoming a PTO member, you’ll be demonstrating to your child the importance you place on education.  

What does PTO fund and support?

  • School supplies for ALL Lakeland students
  • Grade level field trips
  • Playground equipment
  • Teaching supplies as requested by staff
  • School family connection events like Fall Festival
  • March is Reading Month events + book donations 
  • ...and so much more! 

How can I support the PTO?

  • Become a member: By paying your membership dues, you are financially supporting the PTO and positively impacting students and staff.

  • Attend PTO events

  • Purchase spirit wear here – a portion of your purchase benefits the PTO

  • Save your Village Market Community Cash and drop your receipts in the Community Cash dropbox (find it right inside the Lakeland main entrance double doors), or give your receipts to the Lakeland office, your child's teacher, or any PTO member

  • Volunteer your time and talents

  • Donate to the PTO via PayPal (one-time or recurring donations), Venmo, or via cash or check delivered to the main office or sent to school with your student (please make checks payable to Lakeland PTO).    Want to explore workplace giving and matching options? Please email us at [email protected]!

If you’re a parent or legal guardian of a Lakeland student, we warmly invite you to join our Facebook community.  Connect with other Lakeland families, stay informed, and get involved!  

                       Join our Lakeland Elementary PTO Group on Facebook



Staff Members
Staff Appreciation Joy!

2025-26 PTO EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS

President: Amanda Merchant
Vice-President: Ellie Kirkpatrick
Treasurer:  Lindsey Toelle
Secretary: Carrie Markham & Emily Petrovich
Membership: Kayla Vaughn & Katie Larsen
Committees: Jessica Jones & Kelsey Ward
Publications: Cherisa Kuznicki & Rachel Jarosz
Teacher Rep: Emily White
Principal: Katie Veith, Interim


2025-26 Meeting Dates

PTO meetings are held after school at Lakeland from 4:15 pm to 5:15 pm on the following dates. We meet in room 120, if available. The meeting location is confirmed prior to the meeting and a Google Meet link is also confirmed for those who would like to attend virtually. These communications are via email. 

  • August 26th
  • October 6th
  • November 3rd
  • December 1st
  • January 5th
  • February 2nd
  • March 2nd
  • April 6th